Happy New Year 2009

2009 is at our doorsteps!!!! Yikes! Am I ready for a new year? I'm kind of attached to 2008, though I do not know why. It seems that so much has happened in this past year. Malaysia went through lots of elections, lots of accusations were thrown around, silly antics of local politicians were shown on national TV, crime rates were still alarming. Political situations around the world were not much better. Thailand is still chaotic, Myanmar had strikes by monks. However, Obama was elected! Hey hey!! And then, there was the Beijing Olympics!! What a proud moment it was for Chinese people all over! Yes yes, there were glitches but then again, it proves that "yellow-skinned, black haired" people can pull it off! Hah!


Anyway, I recently had a haircut. My friend, who accompanied me, said it was cool. I think it was rubbish. Why would anyone want their hair cut super short and leaving a few strands of long hair hanging down?? I'm a nurse for goodness sake! I need to project a professional image and I can hardly even tie it up properly without the aid of a dozen pins or so! So much for starting the year with a bang..... Look on the bright side, this disastrous hair cut gave me another reason to chop off my hair in a few months time^_^ Hahaha!! I should thank the hairdresser then^_^ Kakaka!

Well, then tonight is the last night of 2008. I'll be working, but I don't mind. Maybe something special will happen. But all in all this was a lovely year. I found Toma, I rekindled my interest in Japanese entertainment, I started my degree with two of my lovely friends accompanying me, and lots more actually ^_^ I wonder what the year ahead will hold for me. It's not scary. No. Not when I have my family and friends surrounding me. I'm sure I'll be fine regardless what it throws me (what can be worse than a disastrous haircut right??). ^ ^

So, heads up to all my lovelies. A toast for the new year, new beginings, new life, new assignments (sigh..), new love, new friends, new adventures, and new haircuts!! Shall we hold a private new year party this time next year?? Hmm... We have a whole year to plan then!

Love, hugs, wet sloppery kisses, and lots of champagne to all my beautiful friends!!
Cheers,
Joycey!

Merry Christmas!

We wish you a merry X'mas, we wish you a merry x'mas, we wish you a merry x'mas..... Haha!! Boy was I gone from here for a long long time. It's X'mas!! You know, THAT time of the year, where presents abound and romance is in the air (sniff sniff..) Who wouldn't want to kiss under the mistletoe? I wouldn't mind some holly either.. but for what purpose, I have no idea..

Anyway, I was working this X'mas morning. But it wasn't so bad! We had cakes from the doctors and the ward ws really peaceful. Even my Madam wasn't screeching like she used to. Silent and peaceful, just like how a hospital should feel. Not busy, noisy, crampy, and crazy... But I really wished that the hospital band would do some carolling.. Nice wouldn't it?

Well, after X'mas, New Year's coming up! A short roll back of the year that was. It was a smooth year actually. I didn't have any bumps. Or maybe I did, but I overcame them and they were too minor for me to recall. Otherwise, it was lovely. ^_^ Work wise, I think I improved slightly. Financially, I did manage to save money. Socially, I met up with most of my old classmates than I did last year. However, I didn't really make many new friends. Romantically, it's stuck at ZERO, so far. However, something suspicious is cooking...i think.....

Any New Year resolutions for me? Not really, as I am not in the habit of making new year resolutions. Though I won't mind if I save more money.. and stop a bad habit or two...and surf less internet.

New Year wishes? Lots! I wish for romance, more money, less workload, better (as in understanding) doctors, new friends, better spiritual growth, good weather (rain!!), and more concerts that I can attend! More actually, but I shall not succumb to greed.

With that, I wish everyone the best of Christmasses and lots of mistletoe for everyone! May each one find their own mistletoe moment and savour it! Enjoy people!!!
Cheers!!!

I'm home!

Finally, I'm home! Wow! Unpacking my things was so fast! Anyway, I'm super grateful that I'm living in Penang and not in KL. Sigh... I wouldn't have survived the traffic jams there and to take the monorail and trains to get to places everyday and not being able to enjoy driving will make me depressed... but I guess I will adapt to the lifestyle too if I'm being deported there. What did I do in KL? Other than conventions, lectures, talks.... I went shopping and came back..empty handed. Not really, I did buy books! Of course I had to visit Kinokuniya and wonder why aren't they opening up a branch in Penang. Then we went to every shopping centre available in KL, and still ended up empty handed..... I was supposed to do my CNY shopping! And I got more books instead...

Secondly, I had the most painful body massage ever!! My back still aches now!!! That was like 3 days ago! I thought my lumbar disc almost popped out when she elbowed me. And oh yes, I almost got molested had not my supervisor spotted the idiot and elbowed him in his chest, HARD! Served him right!! Thank God we were all safe. He ran away fast after he got elbowed.... Other than that, the pillows in Concorde Hotel were horrible! They were not fluffy, instead they sank! My neck still is stiff now. Stiff neck plus painful back = lazy me... That's a really good excuse.

But my trips to places like the Pavilion and Starhill Gallery made me think. In times of economic hardships like now, are they really able to survive, or is it true as what the experts say, that Asia will replace USA as the market with the biggest buying power?? Are we Asians really that not affected by the economic downturn? I think that buying a watch for RM200,000 in times like these, is pretty silly. But looking at the news, fashion giants like Dior and LV aren't the least worried by the horrible economy. Instead they now target Asia as most sales are coming from us Asians! It is indeed true that the west was hit the hardest by the economic crisis (unless Obamy does something), and everyone is tightening their belts, but it looks like Asian countries are still spending.

Perhaps it's not fair to say that all Asians are big spenders. I'm sure there are people who will now think twice before purchasing luxury items. Although it's pretty silly, but I think middle-income families will thrive better than anyone. I'm not sure why but, I think these families have grown up knowing how to spend in moderation and how to make the best of everything.

Anyhow, I shall not go further. I ain't a professor in this area. I am truly grateful that I have a job and is still drawing a pay home every month. In previous times, some people will say, "what?!! your salary is only xxxx??!!!". But come to think of it, I am grateful and satisfied. I give 3/4 of it to my family and still have a nice sum to spend (of course I'm not into LV and everything luxurious) on food and some lovely little shopping. So to those who loves to change your mobile every month and is still living on your parents' money... HAH!!!

Cheers!!

Packing Up

I love packing my things but I hate unpacking them. Why on earth is that??? Maybe it's the excitement from knowing that some lovely adventure is around the corner? Whichever it is, I'm off to pack now and I'm having the time of my life^_^ And did I mention that I love my lime green luggage?? Hahaha!!
Cheers!!! XOXOXO

Cocktail Party

Yippee!!! Our very own cocktail dinner! Almost there anyway ^_^ And Amanda darling was drinking! Gasp!!! Not one, but goodness knows how many! The last count was 3 rounds, but then again, the alcohol content was very low. But seeing that it's Amanda.. that's saying a lot ^_^

Anyway, the food was lovely, and the night was great. There were Cheesy Egg pick-me-ups, Cheng Yee's Lychee Martini, Ladies' Night Lasagne, Spicy Poulet Frit, Mixed Saucisse de Francfort, and cakes! After tasting Cheng Yee's cooking, I really think she ought to open up her own restaurant along with Nicky. I for one will head there. And we even made posts for everyone!

Hui Lyn can be cleaning lady along with Amanda and Aloysius as Chief Cleaner. Nicky will be cashier plus carving guru, Nisha and I can be waitresses cum quality control, Cheng Yee is Head Chef, and etc etc.... Funny ideas we get when we gather around.. Perhaps it's the alcohol talking :) But I doubt so.. Well, after dinner, we had a movie and we watched Kill Bill 2! I totally forgot that I've watched it before, but anyhow, as usual, I could not stay long. So I made my grand exit at 10.15pm sharp! And I did not taste the cake!!! T__T

Oh well, I'm hereby apologizing to a certain car and to Nisha. I'm now therefore guilt-free towards the car. But am still guilty as charged for Nisha's car. I had my head out the window, you see.... Sorry sorry darling!!! Now you can claim damages from me. It's in black and white now!

p/s: 1) the names of the food were all made up by me and is now copyrighted :p
2) I played a role in the scrumptious Cheesy Egg pick-me-ups!

Manicures+Pedicures Make A Girl Sexy

I finally went for a mani+pedi today after years of neglect towards my poor toenails. My fingernails are in better condition, but my toenails are in a dreadful state. They look like they have been rolled over by a steamroller and fed to the dogs... Ok, now you know how they look like (or looked like) to be exact.

Now they are covered with a fresh coat of hot, sexy, christmassy RED. ^_^ I feel like wearing short miniskirts with sandals to show them off! Of course this is all the work of the wonderful manicurist who skillfully made them the way they are now (sob...sob... they wouldn't have been like that if not for you Ms. Nikko and Ms. Voilet.. I owe you guys one!). And my fingernails are a whiff of fresh air, looking spiffy after a french manicure (did the french really invent this??).

Anyway, I think us women owe it to ourselves some pampering and TLC. I don't mind getting my feet and tired legs massaged once in a while. A facial and a body massage would be lovely too if not for the prices... But then again, I had some facials once and I definitely DID NOT enjoy it!! She was happily squeezing out my tonnes of blackheads and pimples and YEOW!!! The more she squeezed, the more they grew!!! What a waste of money! And to think that I endured it for 20 sessions!!!! I haven't tried a massage, but I'll get it someday ^^

Yes, I know it's silly to splurge on non-essential things like these (seeing that the economy is so bad right now..), but I worked hard and laboured long hours! Ok... I did not labour...... But then, still I worked my ass off! So I think my one act of indulgence is acceptable. Don't start me on the "a small nation will get fed from the combined price of your splurges" thingy. Bah...

Cheers and happy X'mas shopping!!!

Chillis and Donuts!!

Today was a small scale reunion for those who are on their break from uni^^ We met at Gurney, and went for lunch in Chillis. It was fun seeing everyone again especially Nish who is going away in another month. It's sad knowing that those near to you are going away, but it can't be helped. And besides, the world is quite a small place. we'll still be under the same sky! ^_^ Anyway, it's not like we're not going to meet up ever again.. Although it's too early to wish her all the best, but I think I'll do it anyways. Coz I know she's going to read this :p Hahaha!! So to nisha dhaniya president-for-college-life-who-thought-cicak-shit-was-chocolate-and-therefore-became-smart-by-eating-it, I hope you have a blast in Australia! Maybe you can meet up with Cheri and do outrageous stuff ^^

Back to today, I met up with Cheng Yee, Amanda, Mei Kuan, Nisha, Li Lean, and Seng Chien. Although I roughly know what they're doing, I don't seem to be able to remember the facts exactly. Like was Cheng Yee in Baskin or Haagen? Is Seng Chien doing accounts or econs? Like when exactly is Amanda graduating.... so today (although we felt like idiots), we had a "re-orientation" to our lives.... hehehe... Yes, it's comforting to know that we are still silly and no one has changed much, personality-wise.I now hope I'll remember that CY is in Haagen, MK is doing engineering, Mandy is graduating in 2010 (her convo anyway), SC is doing econs majoring in finance (same as Hui Lyn), Li Lean is hoping to get a job in KL, and Nish is on her way Down Under (and is afraid of red necks..who wouldn't?).

I find it lovely that we have all grown up nicely and are wonderful adults now ^_^ Our lives are in full swing and it looks like the pendulum is going to have to swing many rounds more. Someone asked where we would be in 5 years more. I know I'll still be here, but I can't say that for the rest. I hope to do some travel nursing for some years before coming back to Malaysia. But wouldn't it be interesting to know where we are in the future? Maybe I'll be selling hotcakes in Greek or perhaps I shall get myself a big, fat, greek wedding?? Or maybe I would have migrated to NZ with evelyn. Or even moved to Japan! Or Taiwan. Or Korea! Haha!
Don't we eat a lot?? ^_^ Truth is, the portion in Chillis is huge! I'll inform dear szer ling that we can head here the next time we're famished after work... Oh!! The chicken is delicious! So are the fajitas! I totally licked the bone clean!
And dear Amanda was so so sweet!! She bought us all a Big Apple donut each!! She said that she has never celebrated all our birthdays together... And she said she can't afford something better because she's not working... And that makes me kinda sad... I'm working, and yet I've never treat anyone to even tea.... Yosh! Mental note to me: give everyone something nice for Xmas! So wait up people!
Cheers for now! Minna-sama, ganbatte-ne??! ^_^ ^_^